April 19th-28th went by like a whirlwind. I can't believe that it has come and gone already. My bff Ashley came to see me in all my preggers glory, oh, and do a bit of sightseeing too! We had an absolute blast! Here are some highlights from her time in the UK.
Wednesday, April 20th: Ash & I headed up town for some sightseeing.
The tall building under construction is called 'The Shard' and when it's completed, it will be the tallest building in Europe. The egg shaped building to the left is City Hall. And of course, the Thames River.
Tower Bridge
View of the City from Tower Bridge. Modern buildings juxtaposed with the ancient Tower of London. The building in the center that looks like a space ship is known as 'The Gherkin' (or pickel)... I think it looks more like a space ship, and Ashley thought it resembled a Faberge egg.
Tower of London
Thursday, April 21st: We were off to Windsor Castle!
When we first arrived the Union Jack flag was flying, which means the Queen is not there.
However, a couple minutes later, they raised Her Majesty's flag! She arrived while Ash & I were there, AND, we found out it was her 85th birthday! So, basically, we celebrated the Queen's birthday with her, at her house... don't worry about it!
One of my favorite English traditions: Cream tea and scones. Although Ashley & I didn't stop there... we got the works... Yummy!
Friday, April 22nd: Neil was off work, so he chaffered Ash & I up town for some more sights.
Our first stop: Primrose Hill. It is literally a park with a big hill in the middle that overlooks the City. Everyone takes picnics and makes a day of it. You can't beat this spot on a sunny day! (Ashley lucked out, it was glorious and sunny almost everyday while she was here! 80F!!!)
Regent's Park
Cool sculpture in town
Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye (ferris wheel) in the background
St. Paul's Cathedral
View of St. Paul's from the Millennium Bridge
The gates of Buckingham Palace
Touristy, yes, but we had to do it! Abbey Road crossing from the Beatles album!
Sunday, April 24th: Easter service at Westminster Abbey and lunch at Babylon roof top gardens, off High Street Kensington. The service was chilling. Being in that environment on such a special occasion was indescribable. Not to mention the fact that we were there just a few days before the Royal Wedding!! Neil dropped us off about an hour and a bit before the service was to start, and we got prime time seats!
Entertaining our guest :)
Tuesday, April 26th: Ash & I headed up town again to see Phantom of the Opera! Neither of us had ever seen the show performed on stage, and it was incredible! The music and singing was beautiful. Afterwards, we met up with Kathleen for dinner in SOHO.
Me & Bump on the Tube
Her Majesty's Royal Theatre on Haymarket, Piccadilly
Where we saw Phantom of the Opera
Ash & Kathleen at the site of one of Mozart's houses
It is now the back stage door for the Jersey Boys show
Wednesday, April 27th: Ashley's last day.... a day for SHOPPING!! We hit up Carnaby Street, with all it's cute boutiques, Oxford Street, TOPSHOP (a must), and then last but not least, the infamous Harrods.
Harrod's
Love it! Looks like you girls had a fabulous visit!!
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